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Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Things I've learned

Well, last week my Dad reached the grand old age of 90. (Cheers deafen the blogger as she grins.) And as oldest daughter and avid amateur party-planner, I took the helm and planned an awesome party for my Dad for last Saturday. (I also had a ferocious head cold that evolved into an upper respiratory infection. But, who cares about that?)

So, here are some things I learned in the process:
1. Don't count on a 90-year-old to show up for his own party. He did not show. As a matter of fact, he ended up in the hospital for emergency surgery the very next day. Some people will do anything to avoid a party!!!!
2. You can add diacritical marks to a Pages document just by holding down a couple of keys. I've already forgotten what those keys are but now that I know it can be done I will find the instructions.
3. Those "Help" windows are actually helpful in many, many programs.
3a. Use those "Help" windows. Staring at a computer screen will not get the job done.
4. The best ideas are hatched right before the party when there is no time to implement them. For instance, Face Sudoku - thanks to my sister CG. There are 9 siblings and 9 numbers in Sudoku. Just substitute a different face for each number and there you go.
OR, slide photo Bingo. Make Bingo cards with photos from the event's slide show and everyone will be sure to watch the slide show very carefully. (My family LOVES slide shows. Our spouses - not so much!)

But, now, my Dad has another hurdle to overcome. Just how he will get back to charging the net for a backhand return, I don't know. He won't be playing tennis anytime soon.

5. The last thing I learned is this. Time is finite. Don't waste any of it. 90 years seems like a loooong time but it is never long enough if you love someone.